Springtime is the Best Time- Flower & Garden, a taste of Dapper Days and Earth Day -April 2024

[disneyAndi14]

I will be there 5/22-5/26, I might stay until 5/27.
I am staying at CBR and on 5/24 I planned on AK. I could head over to US/IOA my AP will still be good at Uni. Let me know what you all decide to do on 5/24.
We could meet up if it works out! I’m hoping to meet up with Molly and Jake as well,

 

[vamassey1]

But you’ll get to see her and spend time together.

Yes I will and that's the most important thing.

You’ll have a great time!

I hope so!

Hope that all works out.

Me too.

 

[vamassey1]

I am staying at CBR and on 5/24 I planned on AK. I could head over to US/IOA my AP will still be good at Uni. Let me know what you all decide to do on 5/24.

We don't really have a plan to do a park on 5/24 but if we do AK is the only park we will have not been to.

We could meet up if it works out! I’m hoping to meet up with Molly and Jake as well,

I think they have a resort day planned so maybe we could meet that night at Springs or at a resort. I'm driving so I have access to transportation.

 

[pkondz]

Yes I will and that's the most important thing.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Your plans sound great for your May trip.
I am loving all the LwtL photos. The F&G overlays are gorgeous. Food looked pretty tasty too

 

[DLo]

Just found your TR. following along. Looking forward to reading more

 

[vamassey1]

Your plans sound great for your May trip.

Thank you! We're getting excited.

I am loving all the LwtL photos. The F&G overlays are gorgeous. Food looked pretty tasty too

I'm excited to see the overlay again this year and eat some more food. I went over my list of food I wanted to try with Danielle last night. She has some suggestions too.

 

[vamassey1]

Just found your TR. following along. Looking forward to reading more

And thanks for joining in!

 

[amazingact21]

I'm so excited for you to go to Epic on opening day! What an experience. And it'll be even better with those Express passes!
I really hope you recap your day there, because we're taking the kids in July, and I'm trying to soak up all the information possible!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm so excited for you to go to Epic on opening day! What an experience. And it'll be even better with those Express passes!
I really hope you recap your day there, because we're taking the kids in July, and I'm trying to soak up all the information possible!

We're all excited too!!

Danielle may be going later this month as part of the Team Members previews. She has a friend that is going to be working at Epic. She's get to see if before me.

I need to post on my Instagram story and Facebook throughout the day.

When are you going in July? Are you doing any Disney?

 

[vamassey1]

More Epcot Beauty and Meeting Special Friends. Friday, April 19.2024

After we visited the Butterfly House it made sense to ride Journey Into Imagination with Figment. It was right next door and in the AC.




Danielle is not partial to this ride at all. She does not like the Smell part, but she will ride it occasionally. I noticed 2 little details I've never really seen before. I found a hidden Mickey and right above that Figment. The hidden Mickey was pink before the scene turns to bluish purple. I think we got stopped here for a bit so I was able to really look.





When we exited the ride we saw a CM near where Figment comes out so I asked if it was time Figment to come out. We lucked out and he was coming out in a few minutes. We joined the line and got ready to meet him for the very first time. We didn't wait very long and he really tried to interact with all of us. Our photos did not show up while we were there, but I did end up requesting it once we got home. I've done this with Photo Pass a few times and have had success on most tries.



After Figment we were ready to spend some time in World Showcase.

Time for more topiaries as we made our way to WS.


I was also trying to find some of the gardens too. This was the Songbird Meadow.


Here is Coco so of course that means we were staring in Mexico. I don't think we went inside but I did walk to the side to see the Orchid garden.







Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

These orchids were beautiful but not nearly as outstanding as the orchid tree we saw on Living with the Land.


I had been chatting back and forth with Alicia @amazingact21. She and Alex were in the park and working their way to the World Showcase. We both needed some caffeine so we made plans to meet in Norway. We got there first. I got my favorite Viking Coffee with alcohol and we grabbed a table so we could relax and visit. Alicia got a Viking Coffee too but she didn't passed on the alcohol. She and Alex had ran that morning and still had a few more days of running. This was the second time I had met Alicia but our first time to all meet Alex. We had a wonderful visit and I'm so happy we had the chance to do this again. Alicia and Alex were some of the first people to hear Danielle say she was ready to leave Disney. But of course we all know that didn't happen. She ended up signing on for another year and it looks like she may be signing on for another. She is really loving working in Epcot at Festivals.
Viking Coffee! If you have never had it, get it.

Dis Meet with @amazingact21 and we got pictures.


The afternoon was going fast and I still had one more photo that I just had to have. China was the next country and that was where I needed to be. It's been years since I've been inside the Temple. It really is beautiful, has AC and it's where Mulan meets. What's not to like? We grabbed a spot to wait for her to come out for her very last meeting time of the day. Danielle once again showed us that she can sleep anywhere.



We had a lovely visit with Mulan. @pkondz I hope seeing the full outfit with the character helps you to "see" the Disney Bound.

We stepped back to Norway so I could get a photo of the Trolls.

We made our way to Germany to see Snow White and the 7 dwarfs.



What's a stop in Germany with buying something in Karamell-Kuche? That place smells so good. We got some Carmel Corn and assorted other treats. I really like that I can use my AP discount here and Danielle can use her CM discount too.

 

[vamassey1]

I also purchased a shirt for myself in Germany that I still like but do not have a photo of from this trip. It's red with Minnie heads and white flowers.


Next stop was American Adventure. We found the Tiana topiary and I got the Moonshine Sour. This was so refreshing.





We stopped in Italy for another Photo Pass picture before moving back on.

In Japan we took in the sights and I got some pictures of the new water garden. It was fascinating and so relaxing. The water flowed and made sounds as it did.











I'm sure Danielle was shopping in Mitsukoshi Department Store for awhile. She loves that store. I can't tell you how many pearls she has.

I'm going to once again stop but we are getting close to the end of the day.

 

[pkondz]

it made sense to ride Journey Into Imagination with Figment. It was right next door and in the AC.

I think the key part of that sentence is the last two letters.

Danielle is not partial to this ride at all.

I noticed 2 little details I've never really seen before. I found a hidden Mickey and right above that Figment

Good eye! I'm pretty sure I've noticed that Figment, but definitely not the hidden Mickey.

A rare shot indeed!

These orchids were beautiful but not nearly as outstanding as the orchid tree we saw on Living with the Land.

Love orchids... but I tend to kill them. I definitely do not have a green thumb.

I had been chatting back and forth with Alicia @amazingact21. She and Alex were in the park and working their way to the World Showcase. We both needed some caffeine so we made plans to meet in Norway.

Nice that you two could meet up (again).

Viking Coffee! If you have never had it, get it.

Well... not caring all that much for coffee... I think I'll give this one a miss.

Dis Meet with @amazingact21 and we got pictures.

It's been years since I've been inside the Temple. It really is beautiful, has AC and it's where Mulan meets.

It really is beautiful

Danielle once again showed us that she can sleep anywhere.

How!!?????

@pkondz I hope seeing the full outfit with the character helps you to "see" the Disney Bound.

It does, but...
I know myself well enough.
"So pkondz... notice anything?"
Me: "Uhh..."
You: "Look at our outfits..."
Me: "Um... okay?"
You: "Keep looking... think about what you're looking at..."
Me: "Er... wait... are you... supposed to be... Mulan?"

What's a stop in Germany with buying something in Karamell-Kuche?

A werthy purchase.

What is Danielle having?

I got some pictures of the new water garden.

Oooooh!!
I may have to go back to Disney just for this!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Its amazing how much we all enjoy the ducks at Disney.

They're just so much cuter at WDW than in regular life! LOL

Those are such adorable displays!! I love that they are all tied to a classic movie....also not sure how it is that I did not know they were doing that in LwtL during Flower and Garden!

Does anyone else remember when the Butterfly House was Minnie's Butterfly House. I know it was when I saw it for the first time in 2007.

The first time I went to Flower and Garden was in 2009, and it was Tinkerbell's Butterfly House then, I think.

We check into Riverside on Sunday the 18th and want to finally take advantage of the Free Water Park Day.

My Mom and I were so excited yesterday when Disney announced that BOTH water parks would be an option! We weren't all that interested in going to Typhoon Lagoon, but I really want to check out Blizzard Beach, so I think we're going to take advantage of that on our arrival day in May!

I can't wait for Danielle to show us around her new home park and all the great Festival secrets.

I can't wait for you to spill all the secrets when you write your TR after the trip!

We splurged and purchased the Epic Express Pass

I'm so excited for you to be there on opening day! I'd say it was an excellent idea to splurge and make sure you can make the most out of your one day.

We will be at MK all day on Epic opening day. I can't believe I'm going to be missing you, Caroline AND Molly, too!!! I hope you girls do end up being able to meet up. Sending hugs and with you in spirit!!

 

[vamassey1]

I think the key part of that sentence is the last two letters.

That AC was very important.

Love orchids... but I tend to kill them. I definitely do not have a green thumb.

I love them too. I had one given to me in 2016. I still have it but it's not thriving, but it's not dead either.

Nice that you two could meet up (again).

It really way!

How!!?????

She can nap anywhere. So far, the most unusual place was under a bench on the top of the MK train station while we were waiting for the parade.

It does, but...
I know myself well enough.
"So pkondz... notice anything?"
Me: "Uhh..."
You: "Look at our outfits..."
Me: "Um... okay?"
You: "Keep looking... think about what you're looking at..."
Me: "Er... wait... are you... supposed to be... Mulan?"

Oh dear!

What is Danielle having?

That is the Werther's Original Caramel Butter Bar. Caramel layered into buttery shortbread. And yes, it's good.

Oooooh!!
I may have to go back to Disney just for this!

So cool. I hope they have it this year too.

 

[vamassey1]

They're just so much cuter at WDW than in regular life! LOL

Yes they are. All the wildlife is cuter there, even the snakes.

Those are such adorable displays!! I love that they are all tied to a classic movie....also not sure how it is that I did not know they were doing that in LwtL during Flower and Garden!

I can't wait to see the displays for this year.

The first time I went to Flower and Garden was in 2009, and it was Tinkerbell's Butterfly House then, I think.

I'm sorry I missed that.

My Mom and I were so excited yesterday when Disney announced that BOTH water parks would be an option! We weren't all that interested in going to Typhoon Lagoon, but I really want to check out Blizzard Beach, so I think we're going to take advantage of that on our arrival day in May!

We're just going to miss it. But I may have another shot in July. We did Blizzard Beach in 2007 so my goal is Typhoon Lagoon.

I can't wait for you to spill all the secrets when you write your TR after the trip!

I don't know how much I can tell. She is telling us stuff here and there and them telling me I can't repeat it. It's so hard. She did tell us that Epcot has utilidors at the front of the park like MK has. I did not know that. She also got to try all the Flower & Garden food before the festival and she had a meeting Monday about Food & Wine.

I'm so excited for you to be there on opening day! I'd say it was an excellent idea to splurge and make sure you can make the most out of your one day.

I think it was worth it. It's a once in a lifetime kind of day.

We will be at MK all day on Epic opening day. I can't believe I'm going to be missing you, Caroline AND Molly, too!!! I hope you girls do end up being able to meet up. Sending hugs and with you in spirit!!

We're so close and yet so far.

I hope we can pull off a meet up too.

 

[pkondz]

That AC was very important.

In Florida? It's paramount.

I love them too. I had one given to me in 2016. I still have it but it's not thriving, but it's not dead either.

I have two. One is almost dead. The other is dying. So... I'm doing much better than I normally do with plants.

She can nap anywhere. So far, the most unusual place was under a bench on the top of the MK train station while we were waiting for the parade.

Oh dear!

And that's on a good day!

That is the Werther's Original Caramel Butter Bar. Caramel layered into buttery shortbread. And yes, it's good.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I don't know how much I can tell. She is telling us stuff here and there and them telling me I can't repeat it. It's so hard. She did tell us that Epcot has utilidors at the front of the park like MK has. I did not know that. She also got to try all the Flower & Garden food before the festival and she had a meeting Monday about Food & Wine.

Oooh, I did know that! I can't remember where I read about them being in part of Epcot, too.

It must be SO hard to keep track! Take good notes of the secrets you're allowed to share, LOL! That must've been fun to be able to taste test everything and not spend a small fortune while doing it!!!

We're so close and yet so far.

I hope we can pull off a meet up too.

Fingers crossed!!!!!

 

[amazingact21]

When are you going in July? Are you doing any Disney?

We're going to be there mid-July. Definitely NOT the time of year we wanted, but with schedules it was just the only time that worked. We're making a big trip up to Minnesota in June to visit Alex's sister. Then 4th of July, Alex works the on-call shift so his lower ranking coworkers can have the holiday off. And by the beginning of August, Landon will have orientations and club starts for middle school.

We haven't bought anything other than our 1 day Epic tickets yet, but we do have a hotel reservation at WDW. If nothing else, we're going to use the free water park entry. I want to visit DAK, but we're just not sure if it'll happen. They released another FL resident summer ticket, but it's not park hoppers and blocks out the MK. So who knows?
We're trying to leave time open this trip so we can explore different neighborhoods and get a feel for the areas. Alex has the potential to retire by next August, so we figured it would be a good idea to start knowing what places to start house hunting. Just in case.

We had a wonderful visit and I'm so happy we had the chance to do this again.

I'm so happy we had the opportunity to meet up again! The first time around, I met your DH, and this time you met mine. Maybe one day down the road all 4 of us will be able to visit.

Alicia and Alex were some of the first people to hear Danielle say she was ready to leave Disney. But of course we all know that didn't happen.

Disney did what it needed to in order to keep her around. In all fairness, though, doing a role you prefer can make all the difference in the world. I'm really glad she was able to move on and see if this new position is the right fit.

We grabbed a spot to wait for her to come out for her very last meeting time of the day.

Great meet and greet! And your outfit was perfect for it.

Danielle once again showed us that she can sleep anywhere.

Her and I have that in common. Pretty sure Alex has a photo series on his phone of different spots around WDW that I've grabbed a power nap.

We got some Carmel Corn and assorted other treats. I really like that I can use my AP discount here and Danielle can use her CM discount too.

Best snacks in Epcot. And it's so nice they accept the discount!